Postorgasmic illness syndrome benefiting from omalizumab and antidepressant: a case report

• Published in: Journal of medical case reports 2024-12, Vol.18 (1), p.632-5, Article 632
• Main Authors: Okan, Kasım, Kural, Ragıp Fatih, Demir, Meryem, Cot, Furkan, Dinckal, Mustafa, Altay, Sevgi, Gökmen, Nihal Mete
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Allergy; Anti-Allergic Agents - therapeutic use; Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use; Case Report; Citalopram - therapeutic use; Conjunctivitis; Depression, Mental; Development and progression; Drug Therapy, Combination; Estrogen; Humans; Male; Male orgasmic disorders; Omalizumab; Omalizumab - therapeutic use; Postorgasm illness syndrome; Progesterone; Semen; Syndrome; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1752-1947; 1752-1947
• DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04986-2

Postorgasmic illness syndrome is characterized by flu, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, and fatigue after ejaculation, lasting 2-7 days. The multidisciplinary treatment approach, incorporating omalizumab and antidepressants, has rarely been documented in literature. In this article, we present the case of a 33-year-old single Turkish male with postorgasmic illness syndrome, characterized by typical clinical symptoms and a positive autologous semen test. Notably, his serum estrogen and progesterone levels were elevated. The patient's Beck anxiety score was 42 points, the depression scale score was 37, and suicidal thoughts. Fresh autologous semen taken at the hospital was diluted with 0.9% saline, and prick and intradermal skin tests were performed. The patient's symptoms improved significantly with the combination of omalizumab and escitalopram. This case not only provides a new perspective on the management of postorgasmic illness syndrome but also highlights the potential roles of allergic, psychiatric, and endocrinological mechanisms in the etiology and treatment of this complex condition.